Make no mistake, I will be back; dining out is one of the greatest joys of traveling.

It helps immensely that these days, most lodgings come equipped with at least a fridge and a microwave.

Here’s how I managed to eat splendidly for 45 days while cooking without a kitchen.

family packing car for road trip

Credit: vorDa/Getty Images

The trick is to keep it all organized, handy, and minimalwith as few breakable items as possible.

I had everything I needed with these essentials, which I packed in one large plastic tote.

Tip:I did not find myself in need of coffee mugs.

Homemade Microwave Mac and Cheese mugs napkins

Credit: Emily Fink

Most hotel rooms come equipped with coffeemakers and mugs, or at least heatproof paper cups.

The latter isn’t ideal, but I appreciated having one less thing to pack.

Measuring cups and spoons?

you could probably guesstimate amounts.

  • Note that some hotel rooms explicitly prohibit cooking appliances beyond the microwave and coffeemakers provided.

Be sure to follow the rules.

You’re on vacation, after all.